The Claim
Treatment with propranolol or atenolol in hyperthyroid patients resulted in an 11% decrease in basal metabolic rate, while basal metabolic rate remained unchanged in untreated hyperthyroid controls.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In patients with overactive thyroid, taking propranolol or atenolol lowered resting metabolic rate by 11%, while patients not taking these drugs showed no change in resting metabolic rate.
See the scientific wording
Basal metabolic rate decreased by 11% during treatment with either propranolol or atenolol in hyperthyroid patients, while remaining unchanged in untreated controls, suggesting beta-blockers may reduce metabolic rate independently of thyroid hormone levels.
Beta-blockers stop adrenaline and noradrenaline from activating receptors on cells, which lowers the rate at which cells burn energy for basic functions like keeping the heart beating and maintaining body temperature, even when thyroid hormone levels stay high.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Non-selective and selective beta-1-adrenoceptor blocking agents in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
In people with an overactive thyroid, two common heart medications (propranolol and atenolol) made their bodies burn less energy at rest, even though their thyroid hormones didn’t drop much. This means the drugs slow metabolism in a different way than just calming the thyroid.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.